Cow-hocked. Stay clear?

I came across a horse for sale and saw a brief jumping video and he looks very nice. He's a six year old Warmblood who has not been started. Since I do not live in the area, I got photos and a longer flat video in via email tonight. And his movement is flashy BUT he is quite cow-hocked. I have no experience with this. He'd primarily be used for jumping. But I'm worried it would put too much pressure on the joints.

Would you stay away from purchasing?

I can't add photos because of privacy issues. I can say he turns out at the hock not the stifle at about a 35 degree angle.

It would depend on how much. A little is Ok but that seems like quite a bit. Would need to see for myself before I would say yes or no.

If you are worried get a vet check. Will save you big time in the long run.

I agree, go with a vet check. I would want a professional opinion on him.

Yes, I agree. There's no way I'd buy a horse without a vetting. But before I dish out $400 for a vet, I thought I'd do some research about cow-hocks and get some opinions and see if there was anyone out there with experience dealing with this issue and the problems that can arise.

Alot of horses are cow-hocked. I mean if it's to the extreme, I would say no.

Why in the world would it cost 400.00 for a vet to do a vet check on a horse? My gosh, that's insane.

Depends on what you have done. How many x-rays and such. Last one that was done in my Dun It mare cost $1500.

Yes, basic vetting here is $400. Blood work and any xrays are extra. All that is roughly $900 (when I checked last month). A lot of people forego vetting here for horses under $5000 because of the cost.

I'm hoping to make it out and see the horse next week. The owner maintains the gelding is not cow-hocked, it was just the way he was standing in all the photos. I'd arrange a vet check as well.

^^Same. The trip is something like 100 dollars, flexion tests are I think 60 or 70, vaccinations are 40..... Icalled the only hospital that does x-rays, and to x-ray for arthritis in the back legs would be 500 dollars, plus sedation so he stands still, and then the day stall charge.

I was so happy in February when I found out that normally getting Ices teeth done would have been 225, but I got it for 113 because there were students.

I like my horses a little cow hocked as it adds some hunkering down ability, but I wouldn't if it was really bad. Just as I wouldn't if he were really straight in the back legs.

It could be the way he was standing/photography angle... But some owners say a lot of things about their horses that aren't true. Hopefully he's not too bad when you go out to see him! :)